by Brianna Crandall — July 2, 2014—Stir, a Los Angeles-based startup including alums from Apple, Disney and IDEO, captured Gold at the recent NeoCon show in the Technology-Integrated Solutions category of the Best of NeoCon Competition with its inaugural product. Designed with the express purpose of promoting movement during work, the Stir Kinetic Desk combines the best features of connected hardware with learning, health-tracking software to create a new work experience based on motion, health and inspiration.
The Stir Kinetic Desk features a built-in touch screen that lets the user seamlessly transition between sitting and standing positions with a simple double tap. Using a thermal presence sensor and built-in computer outfitted with health tracking software, the Stir Kinetic Desk learns the user’s habits and adapts to their daily routine to optimize user health and productivity. Users receive data on calories burned, time spent standing vs. sitting and more, all on the built-in touch screen.
“Harvard Business Review called sitting ‘the smoking of our generation.’ It’s also been shown that switching between sitting and standing can generate an extra fifty minutes of productivity each day,” said JP Labrosse, founder and CEO of Stir. “Our goal with the Stir Kinetic Desk is to promote a working life infused with movement, leading to better health and improved focus. In short, we want you to move your body and free up your mind while you work. That’s what drives our product and our company.”
One way in which the desk learns and adapts is with a feature called “Whisperbreath,” part of an active mode where the desk periodically invites the user to move with a gentle, one-inch rising and falling of the desk surface. The user then has the option to change positions (with a simple double tap) or remain in their current position, and the desk learns from each choice and adapts its profile to make the next suggestion. This elegantly simple feature enables users to focus on working and rely on the desk to help them remember to move more frequently.
The Stir Kinetic Desk is a hand-crafted and elegantly designed piece of furniture with a minimalist aesthetic and clean power cable management. A single power cable connecting to extensive hidden AC (8) and USB (4) ports keeps desktops clean, devices charged, and prevents the desk from being anchored in the seated position by a cable. The desk also features integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to allow for integration with third-party fitness and wellness devices and apps in the future.
Stir is based in Los Angeles, CA, where the desks are designed. The desktop is made of hardwood with premium finishes, handcrafted and hand-finished in Brooklyn, NY. From there, the desktops and other components are shipped to Nashville, TN, where the Stir Kinetic Desk is built and shipped directly to users. Customers can match the desk to their style by selecting from two different color configurations for the desk surface: white or espresso, and four underside colors: kelly green, crimson, ultramarine or charcoal. Stir provides a video explaining the product on the company’s home page.
